Hi-Desert theatrical productions have garnered 32 Desert Star Award nominations by the Desert Theater League for 2013-14. Leading the way with 16 nominations is Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms. The nominations include âThe Perils of Goldilocksâ for Outstanding Production: Comedy/DramaâYouth Theatre, with Natalie Coughlin as Outstanding Lead Actress, and John Wright for Outstanding Set Design. Gabby Timbrook, in her first role at Theatre 29, was nominated for her supporting role in the drama, âA Dollâs House.â The musical âSpamalotâ received seven nominations: Outstanding Musical Production; Kathryn Ferguson as Outstanding Director, Outstanding Musical Director, and Costume Design; Mandi Pushkar for choreography; Analisa Pilecki for Outstanding Lead Actress; and Jericho McWilliams for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Mandi Pushkar received a second nomination for Outstanding Choreography for âNunset Boulevard.â Marty Neider was nominated as Outstanding Director of a Comedy, and Donette Swain for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy, for âThe Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomenâs Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery.â Kathryn Ferguson received two other nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress for a comedy, and for costume design in âThe Importance of Being Earnest.â
With the rest of the local nominations, here is managing editor Tami RoleffâŚ
In its first year of productions, the newly formed St. Josephâs Players received eight nominations. âSteel Magnoliasâ was nominated as Outstanding Drama. Rebecca Havely received three nominations as Outstanding Director and supporting actress for âSteel Magnoliasâ and Outstanding Director âOn Golden Pond.â âOn Golden Pondâ was also nominated as Best Comedy. Nominated for their roles in âOn Golden Pondâ are Lloyd Steele for Lead Actor, and Trevor Carpenter for the Bill Groves Award for Outstanding Juvenile. Rebecca Havely and Ron Stimbert were also nominated for set design. The Hi-Desert Playhouse received seven nominations for its production of âA Moon Over Buffaloâ: Outstanding Comedy; Wendy Cohen and Marge Doyle for Outstanding Director of a Comedy; Howard Cohen for lead actor in a comedy; Wendy Cohen for lead actress in a comedy; Richie Sande for supporting actor; and Joy Groves and Analisa Pilecki for supporting actress in a comedy. Joy Groves also was nominated as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for her role in âThe Haunting of Vincent Van Gogh,â at the Groves Cabin Theatre.